2015: Two-Horse Race, Two Parties

By James Ojo, UNN

credits: vanguardngr.com

After many have described the 2011 general elections as the best in
Nigeria's history, the countdown to 2015 poll continues as the stage
gets set for the make or mar presidential election.

 On radio, television, newspapers, magazines, internet... Its all about 2015.

This time around, it is a two way process involving two parties - INEC
and Nigerians, two major contenders - Buhari and Jonathan.

In any democratic setting, it is believed that the electorate wields
the highest power. In other words, power resides in the electorate.
The electorate are to determine who gets to power and the collective
future of a nation. Nigeria is not an exception. And the time is
now when we are expected to determine who wields Nigeria's
political power for the next four years. To achieve this, Nigerians
must vote right. Not votes inluenced by ethnicity, religion,
propaganda, bribery, political sentiments, stereotype and impunity of
any sort, but a vote from the heart which is motivated by
efficiency, charisma and goodwill of their preferred candidates.

On the other hand, the Inedependent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) has a daunting task to execute if truly Nigeria would conduct a
credible election. The efficiency of INEC would again be put to test.

To do this the security agencies have to be on their foot. How would
the electorate vote willingly when there is anxiety and tension in the
air? Impossible!

From the foregoing, INEC and Nigerian security agencies must work hand
in hand to make Nigeria proud at the forthcoming poll.

Furthermore, politicians must do away with the existing do-or-die
syndrome of our politicians. True legitimacy in democracy is never
obtained by force. To this end, there must be a violence free
atmosphere if we are to to conduct a free and fair election.

Speaking on this, the Chief  Press Secetary to the INEC Chairman, Mr.
Kayode Idowu said: "...politicians should ensure that 2015 elections are devoid of
violence. If they do, we are coasting home with the desired results.”

Nigeria has practised almost fifteen years of interrupted democracy
since the military-democracy transition in 1999 which brought Chief
Olusegun Obasanjo to power. Since then it has been democracy all the
way, and Nigerians hope to extend that come 2015.

The forthcoming election appears to be a two-horse race with General Muhammadu
Buhari (rtd) of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and  President Goodluck
Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).